Fern Wright and Kamber Pryderi, winner of the FEI Inter II Horse and FEI U25 Grand Prix.

© Samantha Taylor Photos

By Dana Krause

Photos Courtesy of www.samanthataylorphotos.smugmug.com

Fiona Selby’s magnificent world class facility, Boneo Park was immaculately turned out for the Ellanbrae Park 2017 Victorian Youth Dressage Championships, a competition for dressage riders aged from 10-25. Victoria has produced many Olympic riders and with approximately 150 riders competing over three days from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and even New Zealand (providing a truly international flavour) the talent of both riders and horses was phenomenal and some of which are sure to be representing Australia on the international stage in the future. Dressage is often described as ballet on horseback and spectators were not disappointed as they were entertained by some of the most graceful young riders and horses in Australia. There was also the chance to catch up on a bit of post Christmas shopping at the trade village. This was also the first year that Interschool classes where included, supported by Toorak College - making this event inclusive of all dressage riders.

Jordin Smith and Khaleesi.

© Samantha Taylor Photos

Riders were truly tested by the weather conditions on the first day of the competition, however even the weather couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm and excitement that was evident on all faces. At the conclusion of the day’s competition and after everyone had managed to dry off, the atmosphere at the free BBQ and Canine Capers was a buzz of excitement as riders and their support crew (families) caught up with friends old and new. The state champions of the day included Brooke Mance riding Fairbanks Ringo from Victoria in the Elementary Pony, Samantha Coleshill from South Australia riding Tarrendene Forte in the Elementary Horse, Alicia Ryan from Victoria on the very beautiful Bluefields Furstentanz in the Advanced Horse and Fern Wright and her Kamber Pryderi (pictured at the top of the page) from Victoria in the FEI Inter II Horse.

Day two saw the clouds gather and the wind pick up but riders were still eager to get out on the sand and dance for the judges. Once again the competition was truly amazing, all riders definitely earned their Mexican fiesta and it was then their turn to be entertained by the fabulous Cruizin’ who are located right here on the Peninsula. The state championships of the day were won by Haylea Wright on the stunning Stanmore Park Ruby from Victoria winning the Novice Horse, Jemma Dodd from South Australia riding Class Capture winning the Novice Pony, Nicole Berry riding the lovely Euroz Jinks from South Australia winning the Medium Horse, Allysse Smith from Victoria on the imported Keilshoop Honeyhill (pictured below) winning the Medium Pony and Fern Wright riding the successful Kamber Pryderi (pictured) winning the FEI U25 Grand Prix.

Allysse Smith and Keilshoop Honeyhill.

© Samantha Taylor Photos

The weather was kinder on day three; the riders were weary but still showed the enthusiasm one would expect at State Championship level. Our final state championship winners were Jemma Dodd from South Australia once again riding Class Capture in the Preliminary Pony, Melissa Galloway riding BWS Cabaret from New Zealand winning the Preliminary Horse, Jessica Hivon from Victoria on Garraboo Scoobie Doo (pictured below) winning the FEI Junior Tour, Morgan Duell and the gorgeous Florinzz (also pictured below) from Victoria winning the FEI Medium Tour, Amy Bacchman from Victoria riding Heritage Park Chartreuse winning the FEI Pony Tour, Amy Reilly riding Michar from New South Wales winning the FEI Small Tour and the picture perfect combination Charlie Welsh riding W Esther De Jeu from Victoria FEI Young Rider Tour.

Jessica Hivon and Garraboo Scoobie Doo.

© Samantha Taylor Photos

Morgan Deull and Florinzz.

© Samantha Taylor Photos

Dressage is a tough sport that requires dedication not only of the young riders who compete but also their families, so well done to all the riders, horses and families that competed at this State Championships. Good luck for the rest of 2017, see you all next year!
Events like this can only run with the support of our judges, volunteers and of course the amazing sponsors, some of which include Ellanbrae Park, Hamid Bros & E.A. Drew, Complete Supply CO, Flora Victoria, The Riders Shoppé, Bob Jane T-Marts, Honan Insurance Group, Prydes, Baillieu Holst, Motor One, Australian Sports Pony Registry, IRT Horse Transport, Hamag, Böckman, Wagners Saddlery, Magic Tails, Valley Horse Wear, Jarrett Arena Mirrors, Marcus Oldham, Riddells Creek Dressage, TGI Friday Restaurant/Bar, Equestrian Life, Hi Form and many many more which we are all eternally grateful for.

For further information on our incredible sponsors and this wonderful event please head to www.vydc.com.au

Jessica Dertell and Valerius Waltermeyer.

© Samantha Taylor Photos

READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE